JOHN MELVIN VINCENT

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JOHN MELVIN VINCENT It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of John Melvin Vincent on Saturday, February 9, 2013. John was the first son of Hector and Edna Vincent, brother to Mary Martz, deceased, brother to Baby Robert Hector, deceased and Alice Linklater, Stonewall and June Ros (Luigi) of Toronto. He was born on May 13, 1934 at home in Stony Mountain at a whopping 13 lbs. He was always a big guy with a big appetite and an even bigger heart. He was affectionately known as U.J. to all his nieces and nephews. He lived his whole life in Manitoba, and even though he spent some time growing up in Winnipeg, he had the heart of a country boy. He loved country and gospel music, cars, trucks, motorcycles, dogs and horses. He was a tall, long legged handsome man who was fearless. He would wade through a dog pack to take one of his dogs home or he would mount a wild horse as if it was his friend. He was so grateful for the simple things that many of us take for granted and he was quietly courageous as he faced some seemingly insurmountable problems. John looked forward to his fishing trips with the family and the special motorcycle rides with Tim Penner as he cruised around Selkirk. John loved to draw, sketch, paint and he had a natural ability to capture an image. He was always tinkering and if he wasn't fixing a car, he was taking apart a watch to see how it ticked. He planted trees all over the ranch and he rescued his nieces and nephews when they had car or motorcycle problems. He had a gentle, fun loving nature and laughed easy. Some of his first friends were from the hobo jungle in Winnipeg. He had a charming sweet way with the ladies. We would ask about his girlfriend and he always replied "Which one?". We are eternally grateful to that loving, caring and respectful staff who took such good care of him at Tudor House. John died at 79, but every birthday he always said he was 29 when we asked him his age. He had a vivid dream about two years ago and he woke up laughing to tell his niece Leanne that they were dancing and it was all so clear and lovely. He talked of dancing a lot in the past few months and it seemed impossible especially when Leanne passed before he did. His loving sister Alice never left his side, sticking to her faithful promise to their parents to look after him. She cannot recall ever having a disagreement with him. Now he is home with them and the Lord in that great and glorious reunion where there will be no pain, no sorrow, no tears. As difficult as it was to breathe near the end, he always managed to say "I love you" very clearly as his blue eyes sparkled and a grin would light up his face. John was a wonderful brother, faithful son, and a great uncle. He was an unusual hero. "your value doesn't come from what you look like, what you do or who you know. You are a masterpiece! Your value comes from the fact that Almighty God created you. You are priceless! A quote by Joel Osteen and one that applies to priceless John Melvin Vincent. There will be a celebration of his life on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at Tudor House Personal Care Home at 800 Manitoba Ave., Selkirk, officiated by Reverend James Bardsley of the Anglican Church, Stonewall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to specialized medical equipment for Tudor House." MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2013